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The Art of Film Photography 

Analog for many true photographers has never been dead. Film to many is the only way to truly capture a moment in time. From the more careful thought in taking a photo to the subtle shadows the image showcases when printed, these and more are reasons film has never died and is making a comeback. 

The film has its own intricacies when it comes to simply take a shot, different than a digital camera. First off when shooting with the film you have to work harder for the shot. Each picture taken needs to be thought through with more detail because every shot is captured and not able to be deleted. When using film once an image is captured it can be developed into a negative, which then can be projected onto light-sensitive photo paper to produce a photograph. 

The most commonly used film gauge is 35mm, which also describes the physical width of the film strip. The 35mm was invented back in the 1920s by photographer Oskar Barnack, and the rest is history. Film at 35mm was able to produce more photos per film, and these cameras become popular throughout the world. 

Analog photography offers more involved hands-on opportunities to learn the elements of photography. Using analog can force you to think about each shot more critically and the overall composition while taking the amount of zoom and focus into account. 

Another rewarding feature of analog photography is that it requires you to chemically develop your images from the film used. One can choose to learn the basics of darkroom photo development or one can also simply take the film to get developed at a local photoshop.  

Yet, these are just some of the many elements that make film photography great, and still too many the only way to take a proper photograph. 

Renowned Photographers Around Portlandia

Portland is such a great place for art, especially photography. The city’s parks, preservations, and great architecture are just some of the many focal points that can make for an amazing image. No wonder Portland has some of the most up and coming photographers in the country renowned for capturing anything from landscapes to a fine art. From photojournalists and amateurs to food photographers and portrait artists Portlandia has the photographers to watch out for. 

For architecture and cityscapes, Oregon native Ben Vickery has the Portland exposure. Vickery is a design and art director by trade, yet also takes a serious eye in captures amazing photos that have a unique artistic vision, lines, and composition – all taken and edited on an iPhone. 

If the Portland and Oregon nature is what you really care to see, then Jessica Selig’s photo vision is more your aesthetic. Selig's approach is to capture the interplay between color and light and her varied shots of nature can be moody at times, yet bright in others. Her photography is an all-encompassing myriad of Portland’s beauty. 

For food photography then James Beard Award-winning Dina Avila reigns supreme. The Portland-based photographer specializes in food and interiors, and her images have grazed the pages of the best food, wine, and design magazines and editorial spreads. 

When people think about photography, they normally think about getting the best still image they can get, yet fine art photography changes that outlook. Varied angles and perspective are what fine art photography aims to grasp, and that is exactly what Portland-based Susan Seubert does. Spending her time in both Portland and Hawaii Seubert’s photography style mixes ocean life, history, cultural norms, and conflict. She uses provocative themes that engaged with her breathtaking use of color.  You can check this National Geographic photojournalist out on her next gallery series around Portland. 

Galleries Around Portland

With Portland’s numerous famous based photographers, it is safe to assume the city also has a great number of photography galleries around the city. Galleries are a great source for inspiration when you are first learning the basics of photography and also a great way to showcase images for those at a higher level of mastery. 

One of the many celebrated photo galleries in Portland is Blue Sky. Originally founded as the Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts by five young photographers in 1975, has really established a presence over the past 45+ years. Over the years the center was renamed Blue Sky and expanded its offerings to include national and international artists to showcase their photography. The 3,700 sq ft space presents about 20-25 exhibitions a year and focuses its efforts to showcase regional photographers annually as well. 

Gallery 903 in Portland’s Pearl District showcases a more eclectic mix of local art from painting and sculptures to local photography. Connecting artists and collectors is Gallery 903’s mission while focusing on showcases artists from the Pacific Northwest. Art patrons will find bronze sculptures, watercolor paintings, and beautiful black & white photographs of desert landscapes by award-winning photographer Jock Bradley. 

Just a few blocks away from Gallery 903 is Upfor Gallery. Founded in 2013 by Theo Downes-le Guin space specializes in contemporary photography and art by emerging and established artists alike. The gallery places a major emphasis on new digital media and mediums that reflect the new digital age of technology in our daily lives. 

A final gallery to note is the Camerawork Gallery actively showcasing local and national photography since 1970. The gallery started with the encouragement of Minor White, and since opening has established a monthly rotation of fine art photography across all modes. The Camerawork Gallery takes pride in being the oldest gallery continuously exhibiting fine art photography in the United States. The gallery first showcased only traditional grayscale photography but quickly evolved to include all genres, forms of color printing, polaroid manipulation of transfers, other photography processes, and now digital photograph processes and manipulations. 

These galleries help novice photographers see new perspectives, learn merging compositions and open their eyes to new manipulations in the art form. Local exhibits also lend the time to meet with new local artists and photography aficionados. Building a photography network can build your awareness and your own growth in the medium.